Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprentice

Charlie is a Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprentice. He discovered the programme at college careers fair. Charlie’s apprenticeship combines HNC study with placements across departments like logistics, quality and wing systems. He values the strong support, teamwork and problem-solving skills he gained. Charlie’s goals are to complete his HNC, secure a permanent role and progress to a senior position with global work opportunities.

How did you hear about the GKN Aerospace apprenticeship?

I went to an engineering college at 16, where they had a lot of career fairs, and GKN Aerospace was one of companies who came in. I didn't really know anything about them before, but they've got a good reputation for apprenticeships because they take on about 30 every year in different roles and they really look after them well. So from just talking to the people at the careers fair and looking at the website, I thought, "This is a place I want to work." I liked the idea of getting paid while learning, too.

What was the application process like?

To begin with I applied on the website and wrote a statement on why I wanted to work there. And I got through to the interview day, which was really good. They call it an assessment centre and it was very well organised. We had interviews first and then a group activity, which was all about how you communicated and worked as a team to solve the problem. Because that's what engineering's all about – problem solving.

What was it like when you first joined?

On our first day, we started off in the training bay, and they gave us a talk about the apprenticeship, the company and what sort of work we’d be doing. Then the next day, we started a two-week introduction period at college, which consisted of different activities and information about engineering and what we'd do to get our qualifications.

What does the apprenticeship involve?

It's a three and a half year apprenticeship, studying for an HNC, which is a Level 4 qualification. I already had my Level 3 qualification from college, so I asked the managers if I could do a Level 4 apprenticeship, and they said I could – GKN Aerospace are really flexible like that.

After the two-week college introduction, I went straight into three days at college and two days on site. You have placement rotations, working in different departments, usually for three months, or sometimes even six months. I feel that's crucial, because you get a variety of experience of different areas and how they work. And you get to know who to go to and who to ask for certain things.

What placements have you had so far?

My first placement was in stores, which is our logistics area. Then I went into a quality placement in wing assembly, where we make the wings. Then I moved to our integrated machine facility. That's where we have our CNC machines that turn the raw materials into an aerospace part, so that's where it all starts.

Then I talked to my manager and we decided I needed a quality role, so I could tick off certain skills and knowledge that I needed for my apprenticeship. That was in shared services, where we treat the parts so they can withstand the environment when they're in the sky, so quality is crucial. And now, I'm in wing systems in the hydraulics area, which is where we make the fuel pipes and air pipes in the wings.

What kind of support have you had?

The support has been brilliant. It feels like they prioritise apprentices here and really look after you to make sure you’re working well and you enjoy coming to work every day. There’s a lot of support from our apprentice managers and trainers. They want to teach you everything, because they know that we're the future.

I think as an apprentice, you have to be a good listener and learn from the best. All these people have years of experience, so for me, it's all about listening and asking them loads of questions.

What skills have you learned so far?

That engineering is all about problem solving, but I’ve also learned a lot of people skills, how to work in a team, and communicating with others. I feel that's very important, because engineering is all about solving problems effectively as a team. So being able to talk to different people and building those relationships is really crucial. Sometimes it might be an easy fix, but you’ve got to make sure you follow the right processes, so quality is another important thing I’ve learned about.

Sustainability is also key at GKN Aerospace, so I’ve learned how important it is to make sure you don’t waste anything. Becoming a carbon-free organisation would be great. And I know the aerospace industry is looking at hydrogen fuel, which would be a lot more sustainable.

What have been the highlights so far?

All the first-year apprentices had a week trip in Devon with our managers and trainers. And we met apprentices from other sites as well. We did rock climbing on the high ropes – heights is a fear of mine, but I managed to get around, so I was really proud of myself. We did a bit of canoeing too. It was a really good experience and helped to build relationships with our managers and the other apprentices.

What are your future ambitions?

First, I obviously want to get my HNC qualification and become a permanent employee. But after that, I’d like to be able to progress to a senior role in the company. I’d also love to travel the world for work – I think that would be a great experience.

I'm an ambitious person, so I just want to be the best I can be. And I know there's so much flexibility and opportunity here to progress in your career.